From School Library Journal
PreS—A noted Pop artist tries his hand at a children's book with decidedly mixed results. The slight story centers on a dog so big that he straddles the globe and is friendless because no one can actually see him. A little girl finally notices him, climbs up onto his face, and sings to him, and they become friends. "No matter how alone you are, there is always someone, somewhere, waiting to meet you. Just look and you will find them!" The artist uses many close-ups of both the dog and the girl to convey the immensity of the creature and the girl's reaction to him. The book is much more a showcase of one man's distinctive style than a coherent or interesting story. It will appeal primarily to Nara's fans or to libraries with large picture-book art collections.—
Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Japanese pop artist Nara, whose works often feature little girls and dogs, makes his picture-book debut in a story dedicated to physically challenged children everywhere. An enormous dog (so big that when he stands he straddles the Pacific Ocean) is lonely until a little girl notices him. Climbing up to stand on the bridge of his nose, she sings to him. The author concludes that no matter how alone you are, there is always someone, somewhere, waiting to meet you. The artwork features simple, pastel-hued figures drawn with bold strokes. Large eyes are a focal point for many of the figures, and unlike some of Nara’s other work, the spreads here appear innocent and tranquil. Young listeners may be confused because the text ends somewhat abruptly, followed by several additional illustrative spreads; but since the artwork is likely to provoke discussion, preschoolers may not even notice the lack of words. This is a quiet tale with limited appeal, but the notion of friendship as an antidote to loneliness will bring comfort to listeners who find the book. --Kay Weisman